Celebrating 30 years of the Friends of the Philharmonia Orchestra
2012 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Friends of the Philharmonia's founding; a tremendous milestone we can all be proud of. Over the past 30 years the Friends of the Philharmonia Orchestra have raised over a million pounds in support of the Philharmonia’s work, and continue to help pave the way for future advances in artistic programming, education projects, touring, use of new digital technologies and the highest quality music-making.
The 30th Anniversary Beethoven Appeal
The Friends 30th Anniversary Beethoven Appeal was a special, one-off appeal to highlight the tremendous support the Friends have provided and still provide to the Orchestra. During their 30th Anniversary year, the Friends played a direct role in supporting the Philharmonia’s landmark Beethoven symphony Cycle in Bonn, concluding a year-long exploration of the composer’s symphonies and piano concertos, devised and led by Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen.
A fund was set up allowing supporters to make a direct gift to the Cycle and we were delighted by the overwhelming response to our appeal which raised £9,000. Although the Cycle itself has now come to an end, we are of course always very grateful to receive donations in support of the Philharmonia's Orchestra's music making around the UK and further afield, and its digital and education work.
How you can make a donation to the Orchestra today:
By phone: Call the Friends department today on 020 7921 3906.
Online: Donate directly on this site by clicking here.
By post: Send a cheque made payable to the 'Friends of the Philharmonia' to Friends of the Philharmonia, 6th Floor, The Tower Building, 11 York Road, London SE1 7NX.
Esa-Pekka Salonen and the 2012 Beethoven Series
Throughout 2012, Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen led the Orchestra on a major exploration of Beethoven, with over 25 performances throughout the UK and Europe. The series culminated in a full Symphony Cycle at the world-renowned Beethovenfest in Bonn in October; the first time the Philharmonia has ever performed such a Cycle, and an occasion which is of great importance. Click on the Podcast to the right to hear Esa-Pekka Salonen speak about the Series.
“I think the beauty of this kind of music is that not only does it tolerate and survive different points of view and different kinds of cultural and aesthetic approaches... it also requires that in order to stay alive. This great tradition needs constant rethinking, renewing, developing, research, and while it is one of the most prestigious things for an orchestra and a conductor to do, it is also a very inspiring thing, because you know you are part of this amazing tapestry fabric that we call history.” Esa-Pekka Salonen on Beethoven and the 2012 Series.
History of the Friends
If you want to find out more about the Friends of the Philharmonia Orchestra's history please click here.
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Beethoven
Esa-Pekka Salonen explains why Beethoven matters.
